This evening State Senator Jeff Klein helped light the traditional Riverdale Menorah. The Riverdale Menorah is the largest menorah in the Bronx, and stands In front of the Riverdale Bell Tower at West 239th Street and the Henry Hudson Parkway North service road. Over 100 people came out tonight to celebrate the lighting of the sixth candle (lanterns here) by Senator Klein and Rabbi Levi Shemtov. After the lanterns were lit there was dancing, jelly donuts, and potato latkes. Below are some photos of how the Menorah lighting went as the sun went down.
Above - Just how does one get high enough to light the largest menorah in the Bronx?
Below - With this Hi-Lo in place Senator Klein and Rabbi Shemtov get ready to rise up to the top of the Riverdale Menorah.
Above - Senator Klein waves as he and Rabbi Shemtov rise to the top of the Riverdale Menorah.
Below - Senator Klein says the two Chanukah prayers before lighting the menorah.
Above - You can see just how high up Senator Klein and Rabbi Shemtov are, as this is the same photo of Senator Klein saying the Chanukah prayers.
Below - Rabbi Shemtov lights the middle or helper candle which is used to light all other candles.
Above - There was a little problem in reaching the last candle (or lantern) to be lit, You can see Senator Klein holding on tightly as Rabbi Shemtov stretches out to light the last light.
Below - With all six candles lit for tonight, the bucket is lowered.
The Riverdale Menorah can be seen from the Henry Hudson Parkway, and for blocks as the light glows into the nighttime against the background of the Riverdale Bell Tower.
